Union Bank of India recovered from a 1-3 deficit to overcome Indian Navy by a close 4-3 margin in a qualifying (phase-I) league match of the 11th All India Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup Hockey Tournament, organised by the MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) and played at the MHAL Stadium, Churchgate on Sunday. Union Bank along with Central Railway have qualified for the tournament proper.
In a match of fluctuating fortunes Union Bank of India took the lead in the very second minute through Nitin Kumar, but hit back through Sajit Lakra who converted a penalty corner in the 11th minute to level the scores. Lakra scored from another short corner in the 39th minute to give Navy the lead. In the next minute Navy increased the lead through Jaspal Singh’s goal.
Union Bank produced a solid fight back scoring three goals in the remaining period through Rajendra Pawar (46th minute), Akib Rahim (59th minute) and Irshad Mirza (63rd minute) to snatch a thrilling win.
Results – Union Bank of India 4 (Nitin Kumar, Rajendra Pawar, Akib Rahim, Irshad Mirza) beat Indian Navy 3 (Sajit Lakra 2, Jaspal Singh).